The annual San Diego International Auto Show began its five-day run Thursday at the Convention Center, featuring displays of new models and exotic vehicles.
The 525,000-square-foot convention center has been converted to a showroom for some 400 cars — everything from luxury to classic to concept.
Joe Rohatynski of the auto show said the big trend this year is automation, and Kia has a concept car designed with the triathlete in mind.
“If you’re a triathlete you can program this vehicle to pick you up at the next event. So if you swim across the lake, you program your car and it drives over there and it picks you up and it’s all warm and dry. And then you go do your biking thing and it meets you at the next event,” Rohatynski said.
Thursday's show also showcased electric vehicles, financial incentives to buy them and charging stations. Auto show organizers estimated that more than 22,000 electric vehicles travel San Diego County roadways.
San Diego International Auto Show, Dec. 29 through Jan. 2
Hours:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Sunday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday
Admission:
$12 general
$9 military and seniors
$8 children ages 7 to 12
Among the many redesigned cars on display will be Acura MDX, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Buick Encore SUVs; Buick LaCrosse and Kia Cadenza sedans; and Honda Ridgeline and GMC Canyon Denali pickup trucks. On display in the exotics section will be a 1967 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Mulliner State Landaulette and a 1984 Rolls-Royce Corniche that's one of just three vehicles produced in the "lagoon blue" color.
Major automakers will offer test drives along the convention center's front and back driveways and in Camp Jeep — a 40,000-square-foot attraction that will let attendees put Jeep vehicles through off-road paces.
Youngsters 6 and under will get in free with a paid adult on Family Day — Sunday — which will feature appearances by "Captain America" and "Spiderman," games and other children's activities.
